Dear U Park Family,
Merry Christmas!
After all the planning and gift shopping and holiday frenzy, I hope that you are enjoying a delightful day with loved ones. Gayla and I will be with family today.
This week’s letter is short, and its message is simple: thank you. On the church staff, we try to plan our programming about six months ahead. That means we have our first Christmas conversations in July or August. A little at a time over the ensuing months, we put our Advent and Christmas preparations in place. But none of it would be possible without your kindness and commitment to our shared ministry.
We’ve done a lot this year – our Children’s ministry is growing, our youth group has gone on mission trips, more people are engaged in the church’s work, we’ve expanded our working relationship with several nonprofit organizations, we’ve created a strategic plan for the next five years of our ministry, our leadership and governance are outstanding, our attendance and giving are all up for the year, and new people are joining the church. As I look back over the past twelve months, my strongest emotion is gratitude for this congregation and to God for allowing me to serve here. We have challenges, of course (for example we’re still not financially solvent, although this year’s outstanding pledge campaign is moving us closer). But there are always challenges. I could ask for no more delightful group of people with whom to meet them.
I hope that your holiday is wonderful and meaningful. I look forward to ministry with you in 2025. I’ll see you at church!
Grace and Peace,
Andy